Pizza dough is the foundation for so many delicious things beyond pizza (not that we love pizza any less).

Pretzel Buns

Pretzel Buns

Pretzel buns are a trendy way to remix your usual lunchtime sandwich.

To make: 1. Preheat oven to 300°F. On parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda. Bake baking soda 45 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool. 2. Increase oven to 450°F. In 4-quart saucepot, heat 8 cups water until hot; whisk in baked baking soda (try to avoid touching the baked baking soda, as it could irritate your skin). Line baking sheet with new sheet parchment. 3. Roll and stretch a large handful of dough into 12-inch-long rope. Twist ends and press ends into center of rope to form fat pretzel shape. Repeat with remaining dough. 4. Gently lower into hot water as many pretzels as will comfortably fit into pot. Let soak for 30 sec., flipping occasionally. Remove pretzels with large slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pretzels. 5. Brush tops of soaked pretzels with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until very dark brown. Slice in half and use for chicken sandwiches or burgers.